The new year... and a new me?

I took the 1st off from the gym, considering I was super sore from a "Body Combat" (aka, kickboxing) class on NYE. But today I went back determined to make it count. The plan was to run until I couldn't run... which was about 10 minutes. Pitiful. I did the exercise bike for the next 50 minutes, and considering my heart rate was already up, I think I got a good workout from it.

Boy do I need it. Hubby and I were watching old videos from our camcorder, and one was the karate tournament I was in a few years back. I was a size 6, blue belt, and felt like I was in incredible shape. I want that back. I want to feel like I can do anything and wear anything, and just generally be satisfied with the way I look. The past few years of popping out kids has changed me so much that I don't really recognized the pot-bellied, muffin-top, unmuscular reflection in the mirror. Depressing.

So I joined this competition at the gym. I like competitions. I like to win. I'm pretty sure this will be good for my motivation. It's called the Pound for Pound Challenge. I'm in a team of four other people, and for every pound lost, the club donates a dollar to charity. Plus, the winners get free stuff, which is always good! But the best part is that this is a three month long competition, which means if I truly give it my all, I could potentially look more like my former self just in time for my 30th birthday. That would be sweet- turning 30 isn't depressing... unless you have the body of a 50 year old. :P

So Monday starts my quest (officially. I've already started unofficially). I'll be weighing in at the gym that afternoon- very Big Loser-ish. My plan is to get some cardio in as much as possible, every day if I can, and lift weights three or four times a week. My diet took a little dip this holiday season. I didn't put on weight, but I didn't lose any either. I'm going to have to watch my food intake a little more.

I also want to cut my hair, but I have no idea what hairstyle I'd like. I want something low-maintenance, considering I don't have time every day to straighten it or anything. I'm open to suggestions, but don't be offended if I don't take them- I'm really, really, really picky about the length of my hair.

I also need to get my ass to the eye doctor. Haven't been since 2003, yikes. Not good for someone who's legally blind, ha. I'd like contacts, because I hate my glasses getting bent by babies and toddlers smacking me in the face. Plus, I hate how these frames look on me.

So those three things are something I'd like to work on: getting a new hairstyle, getting contacts again, and (most importantly) getting back into shape.